The Arkansaw traveler., 1887-12-17
PITY THE POOR SALESMAN.
New Yorh Letter Hartford Cearaat.

New York Letter Hartford Courant.
 A woman behind the counter Is like Q queen behind her throne, and is ire quently a tyrannical and arbitrary sovereign, but a man selling goods does not possess the same imposing appearance. His object seems too plainly to sell his wares instead oi to trifle with the customer or to exer- else his great privileges. He is not a diplomat, sno in this position with all its temptations he is seldom & bully.
 A few days ago, while waiting on the will ofa peerless lady with ban doline bangs and 8 naughty mien, In a Broadway shop, the subscriber was attracted by negotiations between two ladies and salesman. He was a heavy built, stalwart yonng man, with fresh color, and, to the casual glance, in good training, weight about l60 pounds, skin clear and we'll col ored. The ladies were from far out of town-we will say Jersey, thc jcr- sey flats, by way of venture. The younger, the would-bc purchaser, was very thin, inclined to straw color, chill and anguishcd looking at all in good condition. You would have given the shopman long odds in any combat between tho two. But there was mother with the younger woman, her duplicate, if duplicate means double, for she was just double as fat, double as old, double as eagle eyed.
 'I want to sec some black silks" re- marked the daughter.
 "Certainly, madam" said the shop man. "llere is. guarantee, the finest piece of black silk ever made up in the city. If l were a lady, and buying silk, I'd buy this black. As long as any of it's left, even after 1t gets slick and shiny, you can add to 1t, and you can turn and twist It."
 "Ah, but l don't want 1t, if it's go- ing to get shiny and going to fall to pieces like that" said the younger lady from Jersey ; "l want something that'll wear"
 "But, madam" began the shopman "I didn't say"
 "Well, Mary Jane," interrupted the elder lady, disparagingly, "it does seem all awful pity you've got to give up your black silk, but s'posc if the man says himself it's going to get shiny and's coming to pieces, it's nc good looking for one. Black silks always convenient In case of family 'fiiction, there you arc, there's noth- ing genteeler for church and as for teas, all's extra you've got to havc's a lace fichu, and there you are again Give me black silk, says I, and there am, no matter where you put me But of course, If it's going to get like that, falling to pieces in your hand as he says"
 "Madam--" gasped the shopman His knees had begun to tremble and his breath to shorten.
 "Of course nobody wants il dress that's going to fall to pieces, because there'd be the dressmakcr to pay, and what is the use of making if up if it's going to act like that?" went on the younger lady; but she was not weak ening her color was high, and q healthful excitement glowed in her eyes.
 "I said. madam, that" whispered the shopman.
 "Of course feel discouraged, Mary Jane, said her mother, waving him aside, "but at best he's honest; some mend try to pass off their goods n, worth buying. Young man, I'll say this to you: You're silks poor, but you're honest, and I wish you we'll
 With this sally they moved of. II kept shop I'd keep 1t with sales- women. They'd awe and subdue, but they'd sell my black silks.